Coming to the end of the 100 days.

[El Presidente]

 

I only post this as quite a few of you have inquired as to how the self enforced fitness regime has gone. Coming to the end of it now so it is not a bad time to reflect. 

 

I had a great time in April/May of this year having arrived back from our 5 week OS BR Petit 109 launch program. I love travelling with DI and it is fair to say that we don’t leave too much undone when we do get away. The end result was a few more kilos/pounds on the frame and realisation that I had a ton of work to do with the BR expansion, FOH Nudies/MOFOH lines, navigating the new world of Habanos, house refurbishment, new BR Auction site development and the rest of the normal things that come along being a husband, father, son all while reaching closer to turning 60 in February.

It was as good a time as any for a “reset” and hence the concept of a 100 day program. I had some health issues going back 7 years ago which were largely a result of lifestye excesses. This industry combined with an addictive personality/love of life can see things get out of hand.  Back then I weighed 110 Kilograms /242 pounds and through the help of my PT and a changed approach, I managed to get to and keep at 82 kilograms/180 pounds.

I retuned from the US/Hong Kong in May of this year at 89kg/196 pounds and knew that I needed to take some firm action. 

My diet hasn’t changed too much. I eat clean as it is, intermittent fasting I have done for several years. Overall, I increased my protein intake to roughly 150 grams a day in order to reduce muscle loss. While not a Keto advocate, I cut my carbs to well under 50 a day which I don’t struggle with.

Exercise remained the same. I resistance train 5-6 days a week religiously and walk on average 15000 brisk steps a day as I make my phone calls. Both combined takes my calorie burn to 1000 on average. Overall, considering my diet, calorie deficit is 500-800 calories a day. There was the normal weight loss plateau at around week 6 but by week 8 the needle started to move again. 

The big change was alcohol abstinence. I have always been a lover of good booze and would by any measure been classified as a heavy drinker. I love a Negroni and a good red/white/champagne. There are times I love them too much but alas as Lincoln famously said "It has been my experience that folks who have no vices have very few virtues". 

Experience has been that while I can largely maintain weight while drinking, I sure as hell couldn’t lose it. So, it was ditched during this period. Hard? Not really. The hardest challenge was deck sessions with the lads on a Friday and the famous long lunches. Ordering coke zero with lemon took some getting use to. 

End result has been an 8kg /17 pound drop in the three months. Just as important has been the increased mental clarity that came with it. 

Would I do it again? Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Di has also been on this journey with striking results. 

This has been a reset. Upon my return from Europe end September, I will likely do another 6- 8-week program before heading into Christmas. The benefit of such resets is the ability to reposition the habits that got you to where you are. 

As they say, a change is as good as a holiday! 

 

 

[Li Bai]

2 hours ago, El Presidente said:

This industry combined with an addictive personality/love of life can see things get out of hand. 

I've had this conversation in the past with compadres, I have yet to see a cigar lover who doesn't fit this "addictive personality/love of life" description, it's a prerequisite 😉

Thanks for sharing your journey Rob 👍

[bmac]

Very important for men to speak to other men about the benefits of healthy diets and excercise imho.Kudos

[Fuzz]

Rob, I found those kilos you lost. Please come down and collect.

[Marco_011t556]

Nice sharing! I intentionally eat less (but healthier) and dropped 3kgs since June. Hard to pick up exercise consistently though. Next target will keep golf with my gf regularly lol. 

[laficion]

Dear Rob,  

I'm very glad to hear this ; Before my A.V.C. I was weighting in at almost 95Kgs for 1meter 70.

After, I had to give up, Sugar, fat, mid night snacks, sauage, chips , etc; But above all  ALCOHOLS such as

wines and all drinks. But I still have a drink (Once in a long while).

Anyway, you're looking very good and I hope you stay like you are. Wishing you only the very best.

Amicalement, Hermano ,

Guy

 

P.S. I'm now in at 69kg for 1meter 70cm and feeling just fine.

Thank you all for hearing me out.

[El Presidente]

Lovely to hear that you are well Guy! 

 

[GaryK 54]

Tremendous results, Rob. I agree with @Li Bai responding to your comment of having an "addictive personality/love of life". What is life if not for living? Unfortunately, this passion for la dolce vita has landed me in the same place you were in May when you returned from travel to the US and HK. I started the year at 83kg, currently at 88kg on a 1.8 meter frame. Ugh. Trousers are all too tight in the waist, and mia moglie reminds me frequently (daily) of the importance of maintaining a stable weight. Chinese are nothing, if not direct in their comments, haha!

We're preparing for our annual October month-long holiday in Italy, so, needless to say, carbs and wine abstinence will be impossible. For the run-up to our travel, I'm reducing the wine and Negronis (also a personal favourite and requisite before dinner aperitivo for Sofia and me)! We'll see how this 'practice session' goes. Fortunately, cigars don't contribute to weight gain, so...

Having said all that, given your success, I'm taking the challenge. The months of November and December will begin my personal challenge to drop 5kg before the new year. Not sure if I can be quire as disciplined as you, but let's see. Thanks for sharing your fitness journey. It's inspiring to me!

[El Presidente]

6 hours ago, GaryK 54 said:

your success, I'm taking the challenge. The months of November and December will begin my personal challenge to drop 5kg before the new year. Not sure if I can be quire as disciplined as you, but let's see. Thanks for sharing your fitness journey. It's inspiring to me!

Good luck! 

You certainly don't have to be as strict. Consistency is the key (what a surprise ). Plan out something that works for you and give it a whirl!

[ha_banos]

My wife takes the skin off roasted chicken! Which removes...all the bloody seasoning and flavour! No wonder I'm losing weight!

[LordAnubis]

I’ve never had a sip. What excuse do I have for being a fatty?!?  🫣🤔

At this rate mate you’re half muslim. Might as well convert. 

[El Presidente]

11 hours ago, LordAnubis said:

At this rate mate you’re half muslim. Might as well convert. 

My parish priest would be in full support of the transition ".....for the love of God Rob....go!"

 

100 days up today people. 81.2 kg  179 pounds 

 

It has been a fun exercise 

[benfica_77]

So what's the first drink going to be prez? Negroni? A half drunken bottle gifted by Ken? 

[El Presidente]

56 minutes ago, benfica_77 said:

So what's the first drink going to be prez? Negroni? A half drunken bottle gifted by Ken? 

Friday night scheduled for the first drink with Di. 

Negroni tempting. Champagne a certainty. 

[Wookie]

Congrats Rob. Takes discipline! 

[Rushman]

Glad to hear it Pres - good work.  

[ha_banos]

Just in time para Londres.